Some people take their pleasures quickly,and swear loyalty to the same beer every day, but they miss much. The search for the perfect pint should last a lifetime. – Michael Jackson, The New World Guide to Beer

Tonight I had my 33rd beer of the month, which marked the end of my birthmonth project. It was a bittersweet moment for sure. This has been my favorite birthmonth so far, and it was all because of the people. Yes, the beer had a lot to do with it, but spending time with so many good friends and family was what made this the absolute best month ever.

I woke up every day of this month thinking about whom I would get to hang out with over beer this month, and today was no different. Beto and Lindsey, in addition to being my cousin and cousin-by-marriage, respectively, have become such dear friends over the past couple of years. We had already planned on them visiting this weekend, but once I decided what my birthmonth project would be, I made sure they would be here in time for the very last beer of the month. They drove eight hours to be here on time and it meant the world to me.

Friendships, like beer, are often underestimated. It’s easy to take them for granted. But then, when we stop to think about them, enjoy them, and realize how each and everyone of them is so complex and rich, we realize what a gift they truly are. I am very fortunate and grateful to have the friendship of so many wonderful people, and if there is one thing I’ve learned this month is to not take these relationships for granted.

Having Emily and Julia with me tonight completed the perfect ending to this birthmonth. Julia is the main reason my 32nd year was so wonderful, and Emily made Julia, so there.
And that’s where we are now, the birthmonth has ended, but the quest for the perfect pint continues (even though I had several this month that came really close). To all my friends who joined me, I can’t tell you how grateful I am. To all of those for whom the month didn’t have enough days…I’m not done yet!